Humility

One of those traits that are really hard to learn because of the nature of the beast.  These last few days of been ones of learning humility.  I don't really think I came down here with pride but even in my understanding of where I stand in my Christianity, I realize that I am still so young.  The people in ncaragua have such a greater faith and understanding of who God really is.  The spirit world here in Nicaragua is real.  I am real.  When we lived in the states, I understood in my head the Holy Spirit existed but I really never tried to wrap my brain around it.  I kept my thoughts on the side of the fact that God is good and therefore so is the Holy Spirit.  The problem I didn't really think about was the fact that there is another spirit that is also very real and alive and causing trouble in the world.  Whether we want to believe it or not, Satan is real and so are his host of angels.  He is constantly working in our lives even when we don't think so and he is constantly looking for ways to destroy any joy and hope we might have in the One True God.  He is just as real and the Holy Spirit and when we choose to ignore that fact we are living a very one sided life.  Casting out demons, speaking in tongues, praising the Lord without inhibitions, and simply just showing God how much He deserves our worship is real.  Before I lived here in this type of culture, I always knew those things were real in my head but now I am beginning to see them for myself and actually experience some of them.  I pray that God will continue to open my eyes to the real battle we are facing every day and for peace that He will continue to protect not only my family but the many believers and unbelievers here in Nicaragua. 
On a very different note, I wondered if there are any people out there that would be willing to help an 11 year old boy get surgery.  He fell off a wall when he was two, they didn't set his leg and now his leg is so distorted and bent that he can't even walk.  We met him this afternoon walking on two arms and one leg while his damaged leg just hung there.  We are going to start the process of getting him to a hospital and making arrangements for the surgery but from what we understand because the injury was so long ago they will charge him to make it better.  I am told it will be very expensive and as we begin this process we will very quickly learn exaclty how expensive it will be and will gladly share the total cost of the surgery with those who are interested in helping to make him better.  Please pray for him, his name is German.  He is eleven years old and without the help of those who can, he is destined to live a life of poverty because he is unable to stand and walk.  We need your help to get him surgery.  Please prayerfully consider helping with the cost of the surgery and let us know at jvspeigle@hotmail.com.  Thank you for your prayers in this matter.
To God be the Glory!